Autobiography Purpose What is the reason we we ask for autobiographies? What are they? Where do we use them, and why are they an appropriate assignment for the graduating MC2 student? Ms. Kim Carter, former director of the program, summarized it this way: "I see a student's autobiography as a major milestone in several regards. If in fact one of our goals at MC2 is to "grow a person into a productive member of society" (quoted from one student's portfolio introduction), then I believe it is critical for that person to take the time to look back at where they have come from, and reflect on how they got there: The events that helped make them who they are, the people they are connected to, and to take a good look at who they have become." Expectations The primary guideline of the autobiography is, and always has been, that it be 100 pages written in Times New Roman. However, to allow for student expression, style, and design, the autobiography should contain the following:
30,000 words. An 8x11 inch sheet of paper holds on average 350 words, so this is a little generous.
Up to 10% of the autobiography can be previous artifacts, copies of End of Days, or other written work, but they should be placed in context to show how the student felt or what s/he was capable of at this point. All artifacts should have context provided, with enough written about why the artifact is included that including it makes sense to the reader. This includes an introduction to the artifact and text afterward in order to blend it with the rest of the autobiography. The ratio should be roughly 2:1 in other words, for every page that is an EOD, there ought to be a half page (150 words) of context that explains what is going on and how this is relevant.
There should be correct mechanics, with the understanding this is not a formal work and not intended for an outside audience, so strictly formal writing is not required. Still, there should be a header with the page number, especially if printed. A certain about of slang and informal language is allowed, but there should be no spelling mistakes or obvious grammatical problems.
Tips The traditional advice is to start at the beginning, but there's no reason to do so. If that works for the student, feel free to start with birth—but if that's not remembered clearly, beginning in media res is an age-old and acceptable solution. Think The Iliad or Paradise Lost.
Constructing some sort of frame (much as is done for Gateways) can be helpful. The ideal format can often be The Heroes Journey, and identifying those parts of the student's life which could work with this frame. Look for areas of safety, times when new things arrived, people who were important and provided aid or were challenging, tough times and struggles along the way, and moments of triumph and success. Don't forget the good moments and times with people who were important.
MC² Requirements Home
Autobiography
Purpose
What is the reason we we ask for autobiographies? What are they? Where do we use them, and why are they an appropriate assignment for the graduating MC2 student? Ms. Kim Carter, former director of the program, summarized it this way:
"I see a student's autobiography as a major milestone in several regards. If in fact one of our goals at MC2 is to "grow a person into a productive member of society" (quoted from one student's portfolio introduction), then I believe it is critical for that person to take the time to look back at where they have come from, and reflect on how they got there: The events that helped make them who they are, the people they are connected to, and to take a good look at who they have become."
Expectations
The primary guideline of the autobiography is, and always has been, that it be 100 pages written in Times New Roman. However, to allow for student expression, style, and design, the autobiography should contain the following:
Tips
The traditional advice is to start at the beginning, but there's no reason to do so. If that works for the student, feel free to start with birth—but if that's not remembered clearly, beginning in media res is an age-old and acceptable solution. Think The Iliad or Paradise Lost.
Constructing some sort of frame (much as is done for Gateways) can be helpful. The ideal format can often be The Heroes Journey, and identifying those parts of the student's life which could work with this frame. Look for areas of safety, times when new things arrived, people who were important and provided aid or were challenging, tough times and struggles along the way, and moments of triumph and success. Don't forget the good moments and times with people who were important.